Joseph, model of faith

St Joseph is first and foremost an example of faith for us. Like Abraham, he always lived in an attitude of complete surrender to Divine Providence and therefore offers us an encouraging example, especially in the challenges of our lives.

Joseph, a man of trust
To trust God "at his word", that is, without clearly knowing his plan. We are also called to imitate St Joseph in the humble practice of obedience - a virtue that shines in his attitude of silence and active withdrawal.

Joseph, a man of decision
From Joseph we can learn to find a yes to the place God places me. Even when it is a supporting role. Even when I am seemingly insignificant. For God, I am important to work in the place where He has placed me, with all that I am capable of.

Joseph, a man of readiness
Joseph's life was changed because he was included in God's story with humanity. He was ready for it. He put up with it, even if he did not get the main role. Jesus also included me in God's great story with humanity.

Joseph, a man of everyday life
How valuable the "school" of Nazareth is for today's man, for he is oppressed by a culture that often propagates outward appearances and success, independence and a mistaken conception of individual freedom! And how necessary it is, in contrast, to rediscover the value of simplicity and obedience, respect and the loving search for the will of God!

Joseph, a human being like YOU and ME
Joseph was allowed to accompany God's Son into life. Many of us are also faced with a Joseph task: we are allowed to accompany people into life, God needs us, he has entrusted people to us. "Joseph's service" to people means: being there, accompanying them, sharing in their surrender. Bringing them before God in prayer. Even when I doubt again and again.  God has assigned me an important role in a person's life. But a person is never my possession. I must also be able to let him go again.

Joseph, a man of our time
Not many stations in Joseph's life are known:
Mary becomes pregnant and Joseph receives assurance in a dream to take her as his wife.
Mary and Joseph have to set out for Bethlehem, the town of their birth.
They do not find a place, but are left with the challenge of poverty.
Joseph receives the invitation to flee in a dream. How close this event is to us.
Jesus' parents are looking for the 12-year-old Jesus. HE receives them: did you not know......

Sr. Hildegard Braun